Where to Stay - Honolulu, Waikiki and Oahu - page 145

The hotel is built around a courtyard pool, and the beach is just a 3-minute walk away. All
of Waikiki's attractions are within walking distance. Tip: If you book 7 nights or more from
April to November, you'll get a discount on the already low rates.
151 Uluniu Ave. (btw. Prince Edward and Kuhio aves.), Honolulu, HI 96815. www.royalgrovehotel.com . & 808/923-7691.
Fax [phone] units. $55-$60 double (no A/C); $67-$90 standard double; $90-$100 standard 1-bedroom. Extra
person $10. Children 5 and under stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Nearby parking $10. Bus: 19 or 20.
Amenities: Pool. In room: A/C (in most rooms), TV, fridge, kitchen.
Waikiki Sand Villa Frugal travelers, take note: This very affordable hotel is located on the
quieter side of Waikiki, across the street from the Ala Wai Canal. The 10-story tower has
medium-size rooms, most with a double bed plus a single bed (convenient for families) and
a lanai with great views of the green mountains. The adjacent three-story building features
studio apartments with kitchenettes (fridge, stove, and microwave). For guests arriving early
or catching a late flight, there's a hospitality room (complete with shower) for late checkout,
and a luggage-storage area.
2375 Ala Wai Blvd. (entrance on Kanekapolei Ave.), Honolulu, HI 96815. www.waikikisandvillahotel.com . & 800/
247-1903 or 808/922-4744. Fax [phone] units. $100-$125 double; from $135 studio with kitchenette; from
$250 suite. Rates include continental breakfast served poolside every morning. Extra person $28. Children under 17 stay
free in parent's room using existing bedding. Internet specials start as low as $69. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet-only par-
king $16. Bus: 19 or 20. Amenities: 70-ft. outdoor pool w/adjoining whirlpool spa. In room: A/C, TV w/Nintendo, fridge
(in some units), high-speed Internet access (free), kitchenette (in some units), microwave (in some units).
HONOLULU BEYOND WAIKIKI
The city of Honolulu extends far beyond the tourist zones of Waikiki. It encompasses a
fairly large area, and most of Oahu's population calls it home. Downtown Honolulu is rel-
atively small, occupying only a handful of blocks. The financial, government, and corporate
headquarters of businesses are found here. Other neighborhoods range from the quiet sub-
urbs of Hawaii Kai to the kamaaina neighborhoods such as Manoa. With the exception of the
heart of downtown, these neighborhoods are generally quieter than Waikiki, more residential,
yet within minutes of beaches, shopping, and all the activities Oahu has to offer.
Ala Moana
AlaMoanaHotel After a multimillion-dollar transformation, this former 1,152-room hotel (on
36 floors) has been converted to a hotel-condominium (sometimes called a condotel). The
units are individually owned, though most are put onto the rental market for guests. Renova-
tions include redone suites and a new pool, sun deck, and fitness center/spa. The Outrigger/
Ohana Resort manages the hotel, which means it runs as smoothly as their brand properties.
The main advantage of staying here is the proximity to Waikiki, the downtown financial and
business district, the new convention center, and Hawaii's largest mall, Ala Moana Shopping
Center. The rooms vary in price according to size: The cheaper rooms are small but come with
two double beds and all the amenities you'll need to make your stay comfortable. The views
of Waikiki and Honolulu from the upper floors are spectacular. Tip: Book on the website and
save—rooms start at $129 ($100 off the rack rate).